Technologies
One of Enercon's key innovations is the use of a gearless, direct drive mechanism, used in combination with an annular generator. This is in contrast to most other wind turbines, which use a potentially less reliable gearbox in order to increase the rotation speed of the generator. Other differences in Enercon's wind turbines are their distinctive drop-shaped generator housings (designed by Lord Norman Foster) and their towers, which are painted with green rings at the base to blend in with their surroundings.
In 2008, the first E-126 turbines (successor of the E-112) were installed at various sites throughout Germany and Belgium, including the Estinnes wind farm (consisting of eleven E-126 turbines) in Belgium. Although the E-126 turbines was initially developed with a power rating of 6 MW, it has since been upgraded to 7.5 MW. The E-82 turbine was also upgraded and is available in 2, 2.3, and 3 MW versions.
In 2002, the first Enercon E-112 prototype was installed in Egeln, Germany, with a power rating of 4.5 MW. From July 2002 to October 2004, it was the biggest wind turbine in the world, until it was surpassed by the REpower 5M. At the end of 2005 the E-112 was upgraded to achieve a 6 MW power rating.
Enercon does not currently offer or supply wind turbines to offshore projects, and has at times expressed skepticism about offshore wind parks. Enercon was rumored to have been ready to supply turbines to Germany's Alpha Ventus offshore wind farm and to a near-shore park near Wilhelmshaven, but did not do so.
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